14 - AN INSCRIBED GRANITE FIGURE OF A WOMAN WEARING A LONG WIG, FROM A SEATED COUPLE GROUP, NEW KINGDOM, 18TH DYNASTY (1550–1292 BC)

AN INSCRIBED GRANITE FIGURE OF A WOMAN WEARING A LONG WIG, FROM A SEATED COUPLE GROUP, NEW KINGDOM, 18TH DYNASTY (1550–1292 BC) Expert’s note The surviving form suggests that the present fragment may once have formed part of a larger pair or family group. The broad back slab and substantial masses of stone extending beyond the female figure are consistent with New Kingdom private group statuary, in which two or more individuals were frequently carved together against a common support. While the surviving portion does not by itself conclusively establish this reconstruction, several closely related New Kingdom sculptures demonstrate how such groups were conceived. The type is well illustrated by the granodiorite pair statue of Neferkhawet and Rennefer, dated to Dynasty 18, in the Metropolitan Museum of Art, object number 2012.412; and another pair depicting King Horemheb and queen Mutnedjemet, dated 1319–1292 BC, in the Museo Egizio, Turin, Cat.1379. There, the two figures are integrated into a compact composition against a substantial common back support, its flat surfaces carrying funerary prayers and representations of members of their family. The sculpture demonstrates how the broad backing mass could serve both a structural and commemorative function within New Kingdom private group statuary. Egypt, 1550-1295 BC. Finely carved, the bust of the female is rendered in a formal pose, wearing a close-fitting dress and a long wig framing the face and falling over the shoulders. The oval face is sensitively modeled with almond-shaped eyes, a straight nose, full lips, and a softly rounded chin, the features conveying a serene and dignified expression. The torso is rendered with restrained modeling, the garment indicated by a fine incised contour across the chest. Inscriptions: The reverse retains a broad section of the back slab, finely incised with a partially legible hieroglyphic inscription including an offering formula. Provenance: The private collection of Jean-Jacques Rotthier, Belgium, and thence by descent to his two daughters. Jean-Jacques Rotthier (1932-2009) was a Belgian collector of Egyptian antiquities as well as African and Oceanic art, who began assembling his collection in the 1970s. His interests were shaped by extended stays in Africa and by exchanges with specialists including Bernard de Grunne and Pierre Dartevelle. His Egyptian collection ranged from the Predynastic Period to Roman Egypt, and Rotthier regularly made works available for important exhibitions throughout Europe, including in Brussels, Paris, Amsterdam, and Venice. He collected with particular emphasis on artistic quality and individuality, and his collection remained with his family after his death before being dispersed at auction. Condition: Good condition, commensurate with age. Ancient wear, obvious losses, small cracks and old fills, signs of weathering and erosion, scattered chips and minor encrustations. Parts of the hieroglyphic inscription on the reverse remain well legible. Weight: 4.5 kg (incl. stand) Dimensions: Height 16 cm (excl. stand), 22.8 cm (incl. stand) Mounted on an associated stand. (2) Literature comparison: Particularly instructive is the fragmentary limestone Unknown Woman from a Pair Statue in the Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, dated to the late Dynasty 18-early Dynasty 19, circa 1305-1250 BC, 30 cm high, object number 2021.41.123. Although only the upper half of the woman survives, the original composition can be reconstructed as a seated couple from the remains of her arms, one of which once encircled her husband’s waist. Auction result comparison: Type: Related Auction: Christie’s New York, 11 December 2003, lot 42 Price: USD 83,650 or approx. EUR 133,000 converted and adjusted for inflation at the time of writing Description: An Egyptian brown quartzite bust of a queen, New Kingdom, 19 th-20 th Dynasty, 1307-1070 BC Expert remark: Compare the related female subject, close-fitting garment, long tripartite wig, and back pillar. Note the later date and larger size (23.8 cm). Auction result comparison: Type: Related Auction: Christie’s New York, 9 December 2005, lot 10 Price: USD 26,400 or approx. EUR 39,500 converted and adjusted for inflation at the time of writing Description: An Egyptian black granite bust of a woman, Middle Kingdom, 12 th Dynasty, 1991-1783 BC Expert remark: Compare the closely related black granite medium, female subject, close-fitting dress, long lappet wig, and back pillar. Note the earlier date, larger size (20 cm), and lack of any inscription.